Most of you would have heard the disclaimer that comes at the end of all mutual fund advertisements: “Mutual funds are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.” But many of you who may not have bothered to read these documents or would have been unable to sift through the 50-100 pages and look for the key details.

Asset management companies (AMCs) prepare scheme information documents (SIDs) for each of their schemes before they submit them for approval to the capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). You can find SIDs on the websites of the AMC or the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) and some investment platforms. They contain information that can help investors make informed decisions. Here’s a list of things that are most relevant for you to check.

Other Key Documents

Statement Of Additional Information (SAI): This is a part of SID in legal terms but is a separate document. SID should be read in conjunction with SAI because, as the name suggests, it contains additional information.

This information pertains to the mutual fund house, such as the details of the sponsors, trustee directors, the names of the key personnel in the AMC, custodians, bankers, auditors, and registrars.

It also contains details about financial and legal matters, procedure and recording of investment decisions, and obligations of the AMC, besides the rights of the unitholders.

Key Information Document: This document is a smaller or more concise version of the SID that can help investors get an idea about the scheme. It is generally attached to the mutual fund application form.